Polish Heritage Cookery: A Hippocrene Original Cookbook

I had no exposure to Polish cooking until I got a Polish boyfriend. I ended up with this book and I am now a big fan of Polish food. Who knew there was more than Perogies at the local fair? This book literally has EVERY recipe even a Pole could want and I have been reliably informed that the recipes are very authentic. I know I have enjoyed making many of them and have also been very surprised at how scrumptious the results have been. You could buy this book just for the dessert recipes alone but I love the soups and special hearty foods like bigos. I do wish this book had more photos but if it did, it would impossible to lift. I have found the recipes easy to follow although a bit inconvenient in that the ingredients are listed within the directions. Then again, maybe that is good because it makes me read the entire recipe before I gather the ingredients. Some of these recipes take some time to prepare so you need to read before you make up your menu. I have other Polish cookbooks but I think this is the only one a person needs. A good investment.

Having been raised a third-generation Polish-American in Western Massachusetts (where else!), I can honestly say that this book captures the divine essence of what great Polish cooking should be. Almost everyone has tasted, or at least has heard of kielbasa, that typical sausage flavored with a lot of garlic, golabki, or stuffed cabbage, and pierogi. It is custom for most of these dishes to be served with a hearty slice or two of rye or pumpernickel and boiled potatoes, as well as a shot of good vodka. These dishes are just a tiny fraction of what should be thought of as traditional Polish fare. When I first came across this book years ago, I was so impressed to find such an extensive recipe collection printed in the English language. To this day, Polish cuisine is highly underrated to quite the extent that both fine French and Italian cuisine were at one point. It was once perceived, almost intentionally, that French and Italian chefs here in the States always cooked the same things both at home as well as in the restaurants. It is through these influences that we culminated so many of the classic dishes we all know and love today. Now there is a huge array of recipes and cookbooks out there for those who wish to explore the specific regions that make these dishes we all have come to relish. The same can be said about Polish cuisine, which is typically represented by the few dishes that has made it popular. Even today, few cookbooks talking about Polish food can be held in such high regard as this one. Those unaccustomed to this vast art form can find recipes ranging from the typical to the atypical. There are plenty of recipes for golabki, pierogi and paczki, those jam-filled doughnuts associated with Lent. Again, though, this makes up such a small amount of a cuisine that is sure to attract many devotees. There are chapters devoted to all sorts of hors d'oeuvres and soups, both hot and cold. Soup truly is the staff of life to any Pole. Cabbage, potato and mushroom lovers will rejoice at the numerous recipes (many with their own section) found all throughout this book, but it doesn't end there, my friends. The meat and game dishes are so delicious and varied, you'll wonder why you never sampled them before. Then come chapters devoted to pickling (true Polish style brine-pickled cucumbers, forget all those insipid store-bought varieties you're used to), homemade dairy products, cheese and sour cream, the essential Polish product along with twarog, or farmer's cheese. Learn how to make your own kielbasa in the chapter dealing with sausage-making, curing and smoking, endless breads and pastries, and finally a chapter devoted to the incomparable list of Polish beverages, ranging from the national favorite tea, which includes as many as eight or nine different brewing techniques. The same is included for true Polish coffee, and a long list of flavorings and liqueurs. Do yourselves a favor and buy this book.. it will always remain a huge favorite a

Just reading the pierogi dough & stuffing recipes sent me right back to Babcha's kitchen! Now I remember her secrets & will always have them at hand. This is the "bible" for all Polish kitchens & those who appreciate Polish food. I bought my mother a wonderful Polish cook book many years ago, but waite 'til she sees this one!

This is the bible on good Polish home cooking. You'll find at least one recipe for most dishes you can think of. They are clear, easy to follow, and the results taste just like my grandmother's cooking (she wonders how I do it without asking her for help).There is an excellent section on ingredients and good directions for things like making your own bialy ser/twarog so that you can produce good Polish cooking regardless of how well or poorly stocked your local delicatessen is.I occassionally feel that Pan Strybel is a little bossy, but the results justify it - my chicken soup has never been better. Younger cooks may choose to ignore some of the garnishing suggestions as they are somewhat dated.The index is really good, making it easy to find what you're looking for (in Polish or in English).And when you're feeling a little tired and missing Poland, just curl up and read.

I love this cookbook, the recipes are excellent, and easy to follow. I've successfully prepared many dishes I'd never heard of before I married my husband who is Polish. I'd reccommend this book to anyone who wants to prepare authentic polish recipes.